If you have older relatives, you probably worry about them from time to time, but figure that they will be alright. No matter how excellent their health, it never hurts to be informed about what happens during the aging process.
There are some conditions and illnesses that come on so slowly that even those who spend a lot of time with an elderly loved one may not notice. You don’t want to find out when it is too late or after something unfortunate has occurred.
As a part of its Opening New Doors…Community Education Series, the Macomb County Senior Citizen Services Adult Day Service Program will present a workshop entitled “Driving and Dementia/What are the Risks? What are the Responsibilities?. The workshop will take place on Thursday, February 14 from 10 am-12 pm in the Southeast Health Center Auditorium, St. Clair Shores.
Jean Barnas Haratsarus from the Greater Michigan Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association will be the speaker for what is certain to be an informative event.
The workshop sponsors ask that you register prior to the event by calling 586 466-6817.
This is so that they are able to prepare enough handouts for each attendee. There is no cost to attend, however, they are offering supervised care for adults for a $10 fee.
The clock may have struck midnight on the Big Band dances at Freedom Hill County Park in Sterling Heights.
Last week, I wrote about the impact that big band music had on American culture and now it seems that the dances in Sterling Heights are in jeopardy. Every third and last Wednesday these dances brought joy and stirred up happy memories for area seniors. But with budget's tightening and the economy changing this month may mean the end of these dances.
The Senior Swing Society of Macomb is not certain that it will have the financial resources of continue the dances. They have received funding from private sources and these sources are no longer able to provide as they did in the past. They have reached out to others, and are still hoping that someone will be able to step up and help.
It is so important that seniors stay active. As we age wec annot do what they once did, of course, but keeping fit and engaging in some form of movement or exercise is crucial. Participating in activities with your peers and pleasant social interaction also do wonders at any age.
Many of the hoofers who come out to these dances are on fixed incomes, so the opportunity to enjoy a dance free of charge is welcome. The Senior Swing Society is contemplating just how they can keep the dances going without charging because they really don't want to have to ask participants to pay. Certainly some people would have to sit out if there was a charge for the dances.
These dances are a tradition in Macomb County and they began 30 years ago. Generous support from sponsors has kept the party going for years and we hope it can continue for years to come.
Big Band music left a big mark on American culture. During its heyday in the 1930s and 1940a you could scarcely find someone who hadn't heaed at least on song produced by a Big Band. If you didn't have a radio or a record player, then someone you knew did. This is in contrast to today when there are so many different niches and catefories of music that you sould discuss music with several people and never find that you had common ground.
Though it started in the 1930s, Big Band music really took o ver in the 1940s. In its earliest versions, the bancs were not organized, but that soon changed and charasmatic bandleaders became the public faces of some very sucessful groups.
Big Band music helped to boost the morale of Americans at home and overseas during World War II. It was the soundtrack of an era.
If you want to reminisce about the music you listened (and danced) to in days gone by, you still have a few more chances to do so before the year ends.
The Tommy James Band plays at 7pm on the third and last Wednesdya of each month.
Dance the night away at Ralph Liberato Hall at 1500 Metropolitan Parkway (between Schoenherr and Utica). The session are free and you can call 586-979-7010 for more information.
When asked to list basic human needs many people stick to the obvious three: water, food, and shelter. There is no doubt that these are crucial to our survival, but I would add one more: positive human interaction.
When you’re young and in school you have the benefit of dining in a cafeteria and at home with your family. Young adults too, often spend a lot of time dining out with friends. As we get older, we lose touch with family and friends or they move away. Then it is possible that we could find ourselves often eating alone.
Dining Senior Style, a local program administered by the Senior Citizen Nutrition Program, aims to meet the social and nutritional needs of our elders. The food offered meets one third of the recommended dietary allowances. It is served at a dining site, allowing seniors to be fed both physically and socially.
Participants must be at least 60 years old or have a spouse who is at least 60 years old. The $3 contribution for meals goes towards continuing this very beneficial program.
You can view a list of locations where Dining Senior Style Meals are served here.
For more information, you can also contact:
Senior Citizen Nutrition Program
Phone: 586-469-5228
Fax: 586-469-7839
TDD: 586-469-5962
VerKuilen Building
21885 Dunham Road, Suite 10
Clinton Township, MI 48036
Safety is important to Macomb County, Michigan seniors. Changing physical abilities and perceived frailty often put senior citizens at greater risk for traffic accidents and crime. Seniors residing in Macomb County, Michigan can take advantage of two excellent safety programs offered by the Macomb County Department of Senior Citizen Services and Macomb County Sheriff's Office.
Mature Driver Workshop: 8:30 a.m. to noon, Thursday, September 13 at the Ralph Liberato Independence Hall at Freedom Hill County Park located at 15000 Metropolitan Parkway in Sterling Heights, Michigan. Registration is required; call Cathy Wilson at 586-469-6307.
- Available to Macomb County, Michigan residents age 60 and older, the free workshop will teach seniors effective driving skills and offer tips on avoiding traffic accidents. The course will be taught by AAA Traffic Safety Consultant Gary Bubar. Check with your insurance company; some offer discounts for completion of the program which is adapted from the highly acclaimed AAA Driver Improvement Program.
Law Enforcement Academy: 5-week series from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Mondays, October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 at the Macomb County Sheriff's Office Training Division located at 43565 Elizabeth Road (west entrance) in Mount Clemens, Michigan. Registration is required; call Dana Lazechko 586-466-4545.
- Available to Macomb County, Michigan senior citizens, the free five-week series of classes will educate seniors on the workings of the Macomb County Sheriff's Office and its divisions. Sheriff Mark Hackel will teach the comprehensive course which will include information about Dispatch, Courts, K-9 Unit, Detective Bureau, Evidence Technician, Youth Bureau, Gun Range, SWAT, Special Enforcement Team, Computer Enforcement Unit, Auto Theft Squad, Traffic, Marine Division, and Dive Team. A tour of the Macomb County jail and graduation ceremony will complete the series.
